Commis Chef

Fairmont; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 100,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairmont in Cape Town is seeking a committed Commis Chef to support our kitchen team. The role emphasizes mastering core skills, professional presentation, and contributing to guest satisfaction under supervision.

You will participate in daily briefings, maintain hygiene and stock control, and assist with food preparation across stations. A positive attitude, strong English communication, and willingness to work flexible hours are essential.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in food production environment.
• Food Hygiene and Safety trained.
• Strong communication skills.
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude.
• Driven to succeed and deliver guest-focused service.
• Professional presentation and guest-facing skills.
• Fluency in English; additional languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Attend daily shift briefings to stay informed of requirements.
• Promote a professional, fun, and disciplined kitchen environment.
• Support and motivate kitchen colleagues and follow supervisor directions.
• Maintain high hygiene and cleanliness throughout the kitchen.
• Assist in stock rotation and proper labeling using FIFO.
• Assist in food preparation and mise en place across stations.
• Adhere to food safety standards and ensure correct temperatures.

Skills

Food Hygiene

Communication

English Proficiency

Team Player

Positive Attitude

Job description

Job Description

Scope of position:

The Commis Chef will be focused, with special attention placed upon continuous practice to master skills and tasks assigned to them by their supervisors. Always act in a professional manner using the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The Commis Chef will strive to exceed guest expectations and take the culinary team to go from good to great.

Responsibilities

Communication and Conduct

• Attend daily shift briefings to keep yourself informed of daily operational requirements.
• Communicate daily with supervisors to ensure open lines of communication.
• Promote a fun/ professional and disciplined work environment.
• Actively share ideas, opinions & suggestions in daily shift briefings.
• Always present yourself in a full chef’s uniform following all personal hygiene and grooming requirements
• Support & motivate kitchen colleagues.

Health and Safety

• Always promote Health and Safety
• Ensure personal knives and tools are at the utmost cleanliness and always maintained.
• Ensure proper hygiene practices are always followed in line with the Food Safety Programme.
• Ensure that all areas in the kitchen are always kept clean and tidy.
• Adopt a clean as you go approach.
• To assist in clearing, cleaning, washing within the kitchen, including in-depth cleaning, using any approved specialized products and methods laid down.

Stock Management

• Maintain cleanliness and proper rotation of stock in all chillers following FIFO system.
• Ensure storeroom requisitions are accurate to minimize repeat visits.
• Ensure stock is stored and labelled correctly.

Training and Development

• To undergo training in both formal courses and on-the-job to develop cooking and kitchen organizational skills.
• Actively seek tools for self-growth and development.
• Complete all assigned training on Ines.

Sustainability and Stock

• Always minimize wastage/ spoilage and record wastage on Winnow system.
• To aid stock taking within the total Kitchen Department in conjunction with the Head Chef.

Food Quality and Control

• Perform tasks to the standards & expectations set forth, ensure that all food cooked and served is of a high quality and served at a safe and appropriate temperature.
• Daily checks of all mise en place to ensure freshness & quality standards.
• Complete assigned tasks in an efficient and timely manner.
• Act as an extension of kitchen managers to ensure food consistency & quality.
• Assign and follow - up tasks as dictated by business volumes and supervisors.
• Performs any other reasonable duties as required by the department head.

Qualifications

• Have a strong passion for food.
• 1 year of experience in food production environment
• Food Hygiene and Safety trained.
• Strong communication skills
• Have an enthusiastic and positive attitude.
• Be driven to succeed.
• Must possess outstanding guest services skills, professional presentation and sophisticated communication skills.
• Proficient in the English language (verbal & written), second language is an asset.
• Must be able to handle a multitude of tasks in an intense, ever-changing environment.
• Previous service experience an asset.
• Available to work flexible hours that may include early mornings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Highly responsible & reliable.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work cohesively with fellow colleagues as part of a team.
• positive attitude.

Additional Information

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

We as a company are committed to diversity and inclusion. Our Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered during the recruitment process. We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and diverse backgrounds.